How to apply for housing or council tax benefit

If you are claiming Income Support or Jobseekers' Allowance a housing and council tax benefit application form should be enclosed in your application packs for those welfare benefits. It should be returned directly to your local council. Do not delay returning the form as you may lose entitlement.

If you are applying for Pension Credit, a form is also provided and should be returned with your Pension Credit form. Everyone else should complete an application form from their local council.

Where documentary evidence is required, such as proof of income or identity etc, these must always be originals (including current bank accounts and Child Benefit). Copies will not be accepted and without this information we cannot process your claim. Original documentation will be photocopied and returned to you.

Help us to help you. We want to deal with your claim as quickly as possible so that you receive the benefit to which you are entitled, promptly. To achieve this, it is essential that you:

• Complete the application form fully in black ink, answering all the questions that you are required to complete, (writing 'N/A' where appropriate)

• If you make a mistake, just cross it out and put the right answer next to it. Do not use correction fluid or tape

• Sign and date the application form. Any partner must sign the form as well

• Send in with your application form all the evidence that is required

Application form

For residents of Christchurch, East Dorset or North Dorset you can complete your application for Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit online.

Christchurch, East Dorset and North Dorset District Councils have formed a shared benefits and revenues service called the Stour Valley Partnership.

Stour Valley Partnership Benefit Claim Form (pdf, 598kb) (opens in a new window)

West Dorset Benefits claim form (pdf, 253kb) (opens in a new window)

Please note - the date when your benefit application is received by the benefit department affects the date your claim starts. Do not delay sending in your form. If you do not have all the documents, send us the form and explain that the evidence will follow.

If you would like an application form to be sent to you please e-mail your name, address and telephone number to the Benefits Service at your council.

• Name: Benefits (North Dorset)
  Email: customerservices@north-dorset.gov.uk
  Tel: 01258 454111
  Fax: 01258 484185
  Full details for Benefits (North Dorset)
• West Dorset District Council Customer Services
  Name: West Dorset District Council
  Email: custservices@westdorset-dc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 251010
  Fax: 01305 251481
  Full details for West Dorset District Council
• Name: Benefits (East Dorset and Christchurch)
  Email: benefits@stourvalleypartnership.gcsx.gov.uk
  Tel: 01202 639100
  Fax: 01202 887960
  Full details for Benefits (East Dorset and Christchurch)